Germicide and fungicide composition



@TATES Eniddddd raise No ilirawing. Application March i7, 193%. Seriall No. 316,174

3 @laims.

This patent relates to compositions possessing pronounced germicidal and fungicidal properties, and to methods of preparing same.

I have found that synthetic fatty acid mixtures 5 obtained from the oxidation of petroleum hydrocarbons have marked germicidal and fungicidal properties; that these mixtures consist essentially of hydroxylated or non-hydroxylated saturated carboxylic acids which may be either straight or 1.0 branch chain compounds; that these compounds maycontain ketonic bodies, alcoholic bodies and some dibasic acids of essentially the same composition of the above described carboxylic acids.

I have found that these -mixtures possessing l5 germicidal and fungicidal properties cannot be applied in the simple acidic condition to or within mammals, including man, without irritation or detrimental efiects; but that, in order to substantially avoid the irritation and detrimental effects,

these compounds, especially those easily saponifiable, may be treated with an alkali metal to form alkali metal salt or salts without destroying the germicidal and fungicidal properties; or that the above acidic compounds may be further treated to form esters, which also possess marked germicidal and fungicidal properties; or that the above acidic compounds may be incorporated in any base or diluent such as Vaseline, lanolin or water up to any percentage, depending on use 39 and effect desired, which does not exhibit irri-- tation or detrimental efiects.

Illustrative examples of compositions embodying the present invention are as follows:

(1) Saponification of a straight chain highly 35 hydroxylated saturated carboxylic acid mixture with normal sodium hydroxide to a pH of 4.5. This composition is easily prepared. it being necessary to react the ingredients in the presence of a pH indicator.

(or. l67-22) Per cent by weight (2) Russian mineral oil 96 Branch chain acidic mixture d This composition is easily prepared by combining ingredients which are freely soluble in each other. Considerable variation in the properties of the ingredients and in the ingredients themselves may be madewithout departing fromthe spirit of the invention. Thus in (l) the pH may be varied, the function of a controlled pH depending on the particular use for which the germicide or fungicide is intended. For example, if the germicide or fungicide is to be applied to the human skin, the best results are obtained with a pH range between 4.5 and 5.5. (Ether alkali metals may be substituted for sodium. Also in (2), the proportion of Russian mineral oil may be diminished and the proportion of acidic compounds raised. However, if this compound is to be used on mucuous membrane the best results are obtained with 5% by weight of acidic compounds. Other bases may be substituted for Russian mineral oil such as vaseline or lanolin.

I claim:

i. A germicidal and fungicidal, saponifiable composition, comprising synthetic fatty acids derived from an oxidized petroleum hydrocarbon and an alkali metal hydroxide.

2. A germicidal and fungicidal, saponiflable composition, comprising approximately 5% by weight of a mixture consisting essentially of synthetic fatty acids derived from an oxidized petroleum hydrocarbon and an alkali metal hydroxide, and approximately 95% mineral oil.

3. A germicidal and fungicidal, saponifiable composition, comprising synthetic fatty acids derived from an oxidized petroleum hydrocarbon and an alkali metal hydroxide, said mixture having a pH value between 4.5 and 5.5.

CORNELIA BURWEIL. 

